DLA Bulletin Volume 27, Number 1

Delaware Library Association Bulletin
Summer 1973
DELAWARE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION BULLETIN
Summer 1973
Vol, 27 No. 1
This issue of the DLA Bulletin comes to you in a change of clothing!
The urgent need for improved communication among librarians of the state
plus a limited publication budget call for a bulletin which can be produced
more frequently and offer truly current information, This is the purpose
of our change in format to a quarterly newsletter bulletin.
Although slightly less sophisticated in appearance, the DLA Bulletin
will continue to include feature articles of broad general interest and to
adhere to the standards set by past editors. All librarians of the state
are urged to participate in an information exchange by submitting pertinent
material to the editor at any time throughout the coming year.
It is hoped that through an increase in communication, the DLA
Bulletin will contribute to a better-informed librarianship in Delaware
and make more effective our attempts at collective action.
~~~ Judy Matz, Editor
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
George is out of town. We all miss him.
"Let George do it" is a phrase facetiously used by many of us.
George has not done anything for libraries in the past, and we do not
expect him to change his old habits in the future. Too many of us have
left library support up to him.
Libraries need support from the public, professional, and private
sectors. George has not been visible in any of the aforementioned three.
The devastating blows which struck libraries in Delaware causing serious
service cuts, and all but wiping out the Division of Libraries in Dover,
making it a headless organization, a shadow of what it used to be, are a
result, in part, of our inability to organize and effectively push for a
reversal in a backward trend. This trend is progressively more devastating.
The DLS's Ad Hoc Co-ordinating Action Committee on Libraries, headed by
Helen Bennett, has done a commendable job contacting legislators and
publicizing in the news media the plight of libraries of this state;
however, we need the support of the entire professional community. We
need it before the fact; after the fact is just too late.
We need your active support of libraries. The prerequisite for this
support is time. The time to contact persons in positions whose judgments
affect libraries, the time to join and work for your professional
association, the time to inform yourself of developments relating to our
problem. Help the Delaware Library Association help libraries. Please
don't wait for George to do it. He is out of town indefinitely.
Gloria Rabinowitz
DLA President 1973-74
OBSCENITY VERSUS THE FIRST AMENDMENT
On June 21, 1973, the United State Supreme Court decided five momentous cases dealing with
the interpretation of the First Amendment of the Constitution. These decisions and the precedents
they may establish are being met with a wide range of reaction . To the artistic/literary community,
to the teacher and the librarian, to the layman committed to personal liberty they are cause for
grave concern and indeed, indignation .
The Court’s definition of obscenity would include material of sexual content, which “…taken
as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or value.” As if the obvious difficulty of this
“definitive " test were not enough, the Court has left the decision in individual cases at the local
level. Local juries may judge a work obscene in relation to the reaction of "the average person"
of that community. This is not only discriminatory, but also laughable in some instances.
The new decisions establish the jury's right to determine obscenity without prosecuting evidence.
The local jury makes its decision on the basis of its own review and this decision may not be appealed.
The American Library Association, in recognition of the inherent dangers of these opinions, has
resolved to file a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court for a rehearing of these five decisions.
DELAWARE'S ANTI-OBSCENITY CAUSE
Four anti-obscenity bills are currently under consideration in the Delaware General Assembly,
following Supreme Court action.
House Substitute 1 for HB 70, introduced by Rep. Francis M. Jornlin, provides for civil penalties
in addition to existing criminal penalties for Delaware obscenity law violations. This bill establishes
procedures for immediately closing establishments charged with dealing in obscene materials, HS 1
for HB 70 is amended to include the Supreme Court definition of obscenity. It has passed the House
and is out of Committee in the Senate.
House Bill 529 would amend the current definition of obscenity as stated in the Delaware Code
to conform to the newly promulgated U.S. Supreme Court definition. This bill, also introduced by
Mr. Jornlin, has passed the House and is under consideration in the Senate.
House Bill 525, introduced by Rep. Lois M. Lesher, would prohibit outdoor theatres from showing
films which have an R or X rating , when these films are visible to minors (under 17 years of age) not
in attendance at the showing . Mrs. Lesher's bill has passed the House and is now out of Committee in
the Senate .
House Bill 308, sponsored jointly by Rep. Lesher and Rep. Robert T. Connor, would require that
each motion picture shown in Delaware be licensed by a review board to be appointed by the governor.
This bill provides penalties for showing unlicensed films. This bill is now tabled in the House as it
currently lacks necessary support.
The above is a brief summary and status report on the obscenity question as it exists in the Delaware
legislature at this time . Each of these four bills is of vital importance to us as citizens and as
librarians of the state .
The ramifications of the recent Supreme Court opinions are stated by Justice William O. Douglas
in his dissenting opinion in Paris Adult Theatre I v. Slaton, District Attorney et al. :
“What we do today is rather ominous as respects librarians. The
net now designed by the Court is so finely meshed that taken literally
it could result in raids on libraries. Libraries, I had always assumed,
were sacrosanct, representing every part of the spectrum. If what
is offensive to the most influential person or group in a community
can be purged from a library, the library system would be destroyed.:
PRISON/LIBRARIES - INSIDE - OUTSIDE
(Report on the Social Responsibilities Round Table Task Force on Service to Prisoners and Action
Council program at the Annual Conference of the American Library Association, Las Vegas, June 26, 73)
The need for and potential of library service to prisoners was described by former prisoners,
community organizers for support and materials for prison libraries, and prison librarians, with concurrent
audio-visual presentations.
The conditions in prisons were graphically illustrated by alternating scenes of a speech by a
California prison to a community group with scenes from actual California prisons and comments by
prisoners , The indeterminent term as the embodiment of modern, flexible , enlightened corrections
contrasts with the sense of ambiguity and anomie felt by one who does not know when he will be
released from prison as the chief method of psychological control of prisoners; modern psychological
and health services for prisoners contrast with the psychological and physical agony of the "adjustment
center" (solitary confinement); new modern prisons contrast with the drab, bleak, sterile, bar ...
surrounded almost stereotyped reality; and the image of California as the leader in corrections
based on a strong public relations program contrasts with the highest incidence of violence and
murder of any state correctional system in the country . Zoia Horn, who was imprisoned for respecting
the confidentiality of the librarian-patron relationship before the Harrisburg 8 Grand Jury, attested
to the impact of the prison atmosphere by describing her incarceration . She noted particularly the
shock effect on a staid, upright, middle-class librarian of being ordered to strip naked and the
cqpriciousness of prison regulations which resulted in a new limitation of the number of letters one
could keep in one's cell to two after she had received numerous letters of support from fellow librarians
and others. Roney Nunes, who has been a prisoner for most of his adult life and is now on probation,
described the resistence he encountered in his attempt to obtain access to law books in prison. He
underwent frequent sojourns in the "adjustment center" and suffered other deprivations.
Prisoners are generally at the mercy of local prison officials un less and until they receive outside
support. Ted Slate heads the private Books for Prisoners in New York. The organization scrounges
books donations, leftovers from ships, gifts from publishers, and any other available source; so that
reading materials can be made available in prisons. The aforementioned Mr. Nunes is on a speaking
tour for the California Prison Law Project which seeks to make law books more available in California prisons. Another method of serving prisoners from outside prison walls was discussed by Irene W. Swanton,
Wyoming County Library System, N.Y. at a multi-divisional meeting on June 25, 1973. A mail
order book service which had been established for the community at large was extended to Attica Prison.
It is now used by the majority of literate prisoners and so far only two books have been excluded, one
on bomb making and one that closely pertains to a current prisoner.
Prisoners are served, or course, only when someone from the outside can come in and help set up
a prison library. Virgil Gulken, an English teacher, became involved in a Michigan prison book
program, Having no expertise on the reading interests of prisoners, he experimented. Among his
methods was taking prisoners into a bookstore. After much experimenting, he has developed a basic
bibliography which has been published. Basically, prisoners’ reading interests parallel the reading
interests of the general public. Ty Jordan explained what could be (and has been) done in the
environment of sustantial cooperation and non-interference that exists in Florida and a great deal of
imagination. He has set up a program that would be the envy of many public librarians. He wrote
for and received free art prints, sculptures and other miscellaneous objects which he used to make the
prison library the most pleasant place in the institution as well as loan to the prisoners. He wrote for
and received free recreational materials (e .g . used playing cards from Las Vegas hotels). In short, he
developed a rudimentary media center by the scrounge method.
The scrounge method used by Mssrs. Slate and Jordan, like most voluntary programs, has been
criticized because it by-passes forcing the local community to face and accept its basic responsibilities.
Nevertheless, service rendered where service would not have been is a powerful argument for this approach.
Basically, prisoners have the same need for library materials and services as the general public. In
the area of law books, the courts now agree, they have a greater need. Libraries and librarians can and
should be at the forefront in both providing these materials and services and educating the public and
civil authorities to bring about the conditions under which full service can be rendred. - Robert H.Marshall
Resolution Expressing Appreciation to Members of
United States House of Representatives
WHEREAS fiscal year 1974 begins on July 1, 1973; and
WHEREAS the President’s budget recommends zero funding in FY 1974 for all library programs
authorized by the Library Services and Construction Act, title II of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act, and title II ... A&B of the Higher Education Act; and
WHEREAS the House- passed bill would appropriate FY 1974 funds for the library programs at the
following levels: Library Services and Construction Act -- $58,709,000; title II of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act -- $90,000.000; title II A&B of the Higher Education Act --
$15,000.000;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Library Association expresses its appreciation and gratitude to the Appropriations Committee of the United State House of Representatives and to
the entire House of Representatives for its long-standing support of library programs and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that both the Committee and the House of Representatives be especially
commended, at this crucial time when all library programs would otherwise be stated for extinction
by the President's budget, for passing H. R. 8877, a bill which would make possible the continuation of essential library services for millions of American citizens,
PARTING WORDS
FROM FORMER DOL HEAD
Mr. Jack M. Tyler, Director
Delaware Division of Libraries
May I leave "swan songs" to others who prefer them and direct my
attention to an issue which I think bears some reiteration during this
particular season .
It has been said that what the future has in store for Delaware
depends largely on what Delaware places in store for the future. What
is Delaware’s policy regarding the future of libraries in this First
State? What will be the product of its proposed fiscal appropriations
for library service? Is is statesmanship or politics which is responsible
for the now potential course of continuing education in our public
libraries?
Early in my career a philosophy regarding the purpose of libraries
and more especially librarians was often repeated as though it were basic
to everything the profession stood for -- "The right book into the right
hand ,at the right moment." As time passes and my appreciation for that
philosophy grows, it does become more and more a basic principle and a
foundation upon which everything else librarians do is built. Now, this
catch phrase I have come to believe probably is based upon Ranganathan's
"Library Primacies," which are first, "books are for use"; second, "every
reader his book"; third, "every book its reader"; fourth, "save the time
of the reader"; and fifth, "the library is a growing organism.” I believe
you will agree that these two philosophies are for all practical purposes
the same, and now on to my point.
Since these philosophies are articles of librarianship and basic to
our purpose then that which opposes or inhibits the development or
existence of these primacies are to be resisted and defeated at every
opportunity. Remember, that the future will be the past come home to
roose and whatever that hatching produces will be a direct result of all
prior events.
- Reprinted from
Division of Libraries' Newsletter
June 29, 1973 p. l
DIVISION OF LI BRARIES
The Delaware Library Association deeply regrets the departure of Mr. Jack Tyler, former
director of the Division of Libraries. The Division's loss of funding is a severe blow to library
service in the State of Delaware. Service cut backs include loss of professional staff, cancellation
of the DRILL program, the processing and procurement operation, all workshops and professional
consulting services. In effect, the Division of Libraries will be-reduced to a warehouse or storage
unit run by a clerical staff.
All the ramifications of this situation are not yet fully apparent. The total damage to State
library service over a period of time will be irreparable. That such a situation could exist in 1973
is a telling reflection on the priorities of State government in Delaware.
DLA SPRING MEETING
The Spring Meeting of DLA, April 11, 1973, was acclaimed a great success by all those in
attendance. Activities were held at the University of Delaware in the John M, Clayton Hall,
Center for Continuing Education.
Mrs. Pearl Frankenfield, Director of the Montgomery County-Norristown Distict Library
conducted a program entitled: "Dialogue on Library Innovation." This was a lively exchange on
a fresh approach to problem solving in libraries.
Brian Bosworth, Program Planner at the Delaware State Planning Office, addressed the group
on "Revenue Sharing - What it is, What it means, How can you use it?" Mr. Bosworth's interesting
and pertinent address centered on revenue sharing in light of its particular implications for librarians.
The after dinner speaker was John N. Berry, III, Editor-in-Chief of the Library Journal, His
speech, "Witness for the Defense," was an incisive analysis of the politics of institutional
development - an indictment of institutional librarianship as well as an exhortation to a more
positive approach to library service.
Comments from the DLA membership have expressed appreciation for the relevance and
practicality of this program.
REPORT FROM LAS VEGAS
Mrs. Myrtice Wickham, Delaware's A.L.A. Council Delegate, has reported on some of the
highlights of the recent annual convention in Las Vegas.
An ISAD Library Automation Preconference was held to provide continuing education for
librarians in the field of library automation. The keynote speaker, Allen Veaner, presented an
overview of automation developments in the last five years. Each day of the conference included
open discussion groups.
Librarians were urged to contact their congressmen in support of HR5424, a bill which would
require governmental agencies to respond to all questions received within ten days, to publish all
rulings and operational procedures, and to index all published materials in clear terms.
Legislative Committee Chairman Joseph Shubert reported passage of H. R. 8877. Proposed
funding was as follows: LSCA - $58,709,000; ESEA Title II .., $90,000,000; HEA Title II a & b -
$15,OOO,OOO. A resolution commending the House action was unanimously passed by Council,
Copies of this resolution will be sent to members of the House of Representative.
Mr. Shubert also urged ALA members to express their appreciation immediately to the 213
Congressmen who defeated the Michel (R. III.) amendment, which would have reduced library
funds by $19 million ,
A copy of this resolution is included on the following page. Interested librarians are urged to
express approval and appreciation of the House action by sending a signed copy of the resolution
to Representative Du Pont.
"To me the ALA Convention was a unique one this year. I appreciated the privilege and honor
of participating as Delaware's Council delegate." Mrs. Myrtice Wickham
MARLF CONFERENCE
Atlantic City, N.J .
October 24- 27, 1973
The annual Fall meeting of DLA will be held during the MARLF conference in Atlantic City. Bus
transportation from one or more points in Delaware may be available to members on the day of the DLA
business meeting.
A four-day conference of the Middle Atlantic Regional Library Federation will be held in Atlantic
City, New Jersey, from Wednesday, October 24 through Saturday October 27, 1973.
The largest library meeting to be held east of the Rockies this year the conference is expected to
attract over 8,000 delegates. They will represent the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia and the the District of Columbia.
The conference, the first to be held by the Middle Atlantic Regional Library Federation since 1967,
will have as its theme "Viewpoints, the Way To Go - 1973 to 2000 A.D ~ II
By meeting in Atlantic City this fall, we hope that all DLA members will take advantage of a
well-planned program and an excellent series of speakers. Specific information on program activities
and on group transportation will be mailed out to DLA members and interested persons, upon request.
DLA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
DLA needs new members! If you know of likely candidates, please contact Jean Bear at the
Wilmington Institute Library. Dues checks may be made payable to DLA and sent to Mr. Lee Steele,
Treas., P. O . Box 944, Dover, DE 19901. Regular membership is $5.00 per year. DLA offers you a
variety of excellent programs each year /I professional contact with the other librarians of your state,
and a subscription to our quarterly bulletin. All those involved or interested in library work are
urged to join.
ALA REQUEST
The ALA Headquarters library has recently requested all back issues of our DLA Bulletin. Anyone,
owning duplicates or personal copies which are no longer needed, is asked to contact Judy Matz at
the Wilmington Institue. (656-3131)
DLA DUES
Mrs. Gloria Rabinowitz, DLA president, has appointed a committee for careful review of our dues
structure. The possibility of a dues increase may be considered to secure publicity for the Association,
to provide continued excellence in programs, and to support additional workshops and new opportunities
for continuing education.
LI BRARY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
DLA’s Library Development Committee and the Delaware Library Trustees Association are involved
in a joint effort to explore the possibilities of a mass publicity campaign for Delaware libraries.
Representatives of both groups will be meeting with commercial advertising firms in the hope of
formulating a tentative publicity plan.
PUBLIC LIBRARY USER SURVEY
Doctor Robert A. Wilson, Assistant Professor and Resident Sociologist at the Universith of
Delaware reports on the progress of the Public Library User Survey. This telephone survey will record
and analyze the reactions of Delaware citizens to library service in the state.
This survey is being conducted by the Division of Urban Affairs under the advisement of the
Delaware Library Association. He reports that the interviews should be completed by August 1, 1973
and computer analysis of collected information will begin at the end of August. The completed
survey is expected to be released at the first of October, 1973.
PUBLIC LIBRARY DIVISION
Robert Marshall, PLD president, has announced a new "Standards and Accredidation Committee”
to approach ALA standards and those being formulated , PLD is also launching a “brand new” newsletter
this month for all PLD members!

Click tabs to swap between content that is broken into logical sections.

Prior written permission is required for any use of the images in this collection.

Transcript

Delaware Library Association Bulletin
Summer 1973
DELAWARE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION BULLETIN
Summer 1973
Vol, 27 No. 1
This issue of the DLA Bulletin comes to you in a change of clothing!
The urgent need for improved communication among librarians of the state
plus a limited publication budget call for a bulletin which can be produced
more frequently and offer truly current information, This is the purpose
of our change in format to a quarterly newsletter bulletin.
Although slightly less sophisticated in appearance, the DLA Bulletin
will continue to include feature articles of broad general interest and to
adhere to the standards set by past editors. All librarians of the state
are urged to participate in an information exchange by submitting pertinent
material to the editor at any time throughout the coming year.
It is hoped that through an increase in communication, the DLA
Bulletin will contribute to a better-informed librarianship in Delaware
and make more effective our attempts at collective action.
~~~ Judy Matz, Editor
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
George is out of town. We all miss him.
"Let George do it" is a phrase facetiously used by many of us.
George has not done anything for libraries in the past, and we do not
expect him to change his old habits in the future. Too many of us have
left library support up to him.
Libraries need support from the public, professional, and private
sectors. George has not been visible in any of the aforementioned three.
The devastating blows which struck libraries in Delaware causing serious
service cuts, and all but wiping out the Division of Libraries in Dover,
making it a headless organization, a shadow of what it used to be, are a
result, in part, of our inability to organize and effectively push for a
reversal in a backward trend. This trend is progressively more devastating.
The DLS's Ad Hoc Co-ordinating Action Committee on Libraries, headed by
Helen Bennett, has done a commendable job contacting legislators and
publicizing in the news media the plight of libraries of this state;
however, we need the support of the entire professional community. We
need it before the fact; after the fact is just too late.
We need your active support of libraries. The prerequisite for this
support is time. The time to contact persons in positions whose judgments
affect libraries, the time to join and work for your professional
association, the time to inform yourself of developments relating to our
problem. Help the Delaware Library Association help libraries. Please
don't wait for George to do it. He is out of town indefinitely.
Gloria Rabinowitz
DLA President 1973-74
OBSCENITY VERSUS THE FIRST AMENDMENT
On June 21, 1973, the United State Supreme Court decided five momentous cases dealing with
the interpretation of the First Amendment of the Constitution. These decisions and the precedents
they may establish are being met with a wide range of reaction . To the artistic/literary community,
to the teacher and the librarian, to the layman committed to personal liberty they are cause for
grave concern and indeed, indignation .
The Court’s definition of obscenity would include material of sexual content, which “…taken
as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or value.” As if the obvious difficulty of this
“definitive " test were not enough, the Court has left the decision in individual cases at the local
level. Local juries may judge a work obscene in relation to the reaction of "the average person"
of that community. This is not only discriminatory, but also laughable in some instances.
The new decisions establish the jury's right to determine obscenity without prosecuting evidence.
The local jury makes its decision on the basis of its own review and this decision may not be appealed.
The American Library Association, in recognition of the inherent dangers of these opinions, has
resolved to file a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court for a rehearing of these five decisions.
DELAWARE'S ANTI-OBSCENITY CAUSE
Four anti-obscenity bills are currently under consideration in the Delaware General Assembly,
following Supreme Court action.
House Substitute 1 for HB 70, introduced by Rep. Francis M. Jornlin, provides for civil penalties
in addition to existing criminal penalties for Delaware obscenity law violations. This bill establishes
procedures for immediately closing establishments charged with dealing in obscene materials, HS 1
for HB 70 is amended to include the Supreme Court definition of obscenity. It has passed the House
and is out of Committee in the Senate.
House Bill 529 would amend the current definition of obscenity as stated in the Delaware Code
to conform to the newly promulgated U.S. Supreme Court definition. This bill, also introduced by
Mr. Jornlin, has passed the House and is under consideration in the Senate.
House Bill 525, introduced by Rep. Lois M. Lesher, would prohibit outdoor theatres from showing
films which have an R or X rating , when these films are visible to minors (under 17 years of age) not
in attendance at the showing . Mrs. Lesher's bill has passed the House and is now out of Committee in
the Senate .
House Bill 308, sponsored jointly by Rep. Lesher and Rep. Robert T. Connor, would require that
each motion picture shown in Delaware be licensed by a review board to be appointed by the governor.
This bill provides penalties for showing unlicensed films. This bill is now tabled in the House as it
currently lacks necessary support.
The above is a brief summary and status report on the obscenity question as it exists in the Delaware
legislature at this time . Each of these four bills is of vital importance to us as citizens and as
librarians of the state .
The ramifications of the recent Supreme Court opinions are stated by Justice William O. Douglas
in his dissenting opinion in Paris Adult Theatre I v. Slaton, District Attorney et al. :
“What we do today is rather ominous as respects librarians. The
net now designed by the Court is so finely meshed that taken literally
it could result in raids on libraries. Libraries, I had always assumed,
were sacrosanct, representing every part of the spectrum. If what
is offensive to the most influential person or group in a community
can be purged from a library, the library system would be destroyed.:
PRISON/LIBRARIES - INSIDE - OUTSIDE
(Report on the Social Responsibilities Round Table Task Force on Service to Prisoners and Action
Council program at the Annual Conference of the American Library Association, Las Vegas, June 26, 73)
The need for and potential of library service to prisoners was described by former prisoners,
community organizers for support and materials for prison libraries, and prison librarians, with concurrent
audio-visual presentations.
The conditions in prisons were graphically illustrated by alternating scenes of a speech by a
California prison to a community group with scenes from actual California prisons and comments by
prisoners , The indeterminent term as the embodiment of modern, flexible , enlightened corrections
contrasts with the sense of ambiguity and anomie felt by one who does not know when he will be
released from prison as the chief method of psychological control of prisoners; modern psychological
and health services for prisoners contrast with the psychological and physical agony of the "adjustment
center" (solitary confinement); new modern prisons contrast with the drab, bleak, sterile, bar ...
surrounded almost stereotyped reality; and the image of California as the leader in corrections
based on a strong public relations program contrasts with the highest incidence of violence and
murder of any state correctional system in the country . Zoia Horn, who was imprisoned for respecting
the confidentiality of the librarian-patron relationship before the Harrisburg 8 Grand Jury, attested
to the impact of the prison atmosphere by describing her incarceration . She noted particularly the
shock effect on a staid, upright, middle-class librarian of being ordered to strip naked and the
cqpriciousness of prison regulations which resulted in a new limitation of the number of letters one
could keep in one's cell to two after she had received numerous letters of support from fellow librarians
and others. Roney Nunes, who has been a prisoner for most of his adult life and is now on probation,
described the resistence he encountered in his attempt to obtain access to law books in prison. He
underwent frequent sojourns in the "adjustment center" and suffered other deprivations.
Prisoners are generally at the mercy of local prison officials un less and until they receive outside
support. Ted Slate heads the private Books for Prisoners in New York. The organization scrounges
books donations, leftovers from ships, gifts from publishers, and any other available source; so that
reading materials can be made available in prisons. The aforementioned Mr. Nunes is on a speaking
tour for the California Prison Law Project which seeks to make law books more available in California prisons. Another method of serving prisoners from outside prison walls was discussed by Irene W. Swanton,
Wyoming County Library System, N.Y. at a multi-divisional meeting on June 25, 1973. A mail
order book service which had been established for the community at large was extended to Attica Prison.
It is now used by the majority of literate prisoners and so far only two books have been excluded, one
on bomb making and one that closely pertains to a current prisoner.
Prisoners are served, or course, only when someone from the outside can come in and help set up
a prison library. Virgil Gulken, an English teacher, became involved in a Michigan prison book
program, Having no expertise on the reading interests of prisoners, he experimented. Among his
methods was taking prisoners into a bookstore. After much experimenting, he has developed a basic
bibliography which has been published. Basically, prisoners’ reading interests parallel the reading
interests of the general public. Ty Jordan explained what could be (and has been) done in the
environment of sustantial cooperation and non-interference that exists in Florida and a great deal of
imagination. He has set up a program that would be the envy of many public librarians. He wrote
for and received free art prints, sculptures and other miscellaneous objects which he used to make the
prison library the most pleasant place in the institution as well as loan to the prisoners. He wrote for
and received free recreational materials (e .g . used playing cards from Las Vegas hotels). In short, he
developed a rudimentary media center by the scrounge method.
The scrounge method used by Mssrs. Slate and Jordan, like most voluntary programs, has been
criticized because it by-passes forcing the local community to face and accept its basic responsibilities.
Nevertheless, service rendered where service would not have been is a powerful argument for this approach.
Basically, prisoners have the same need for library materials and services as the general public. In
the area of law books, the courts now agree, they have a greater need. Libraries and librarians can and
should be at the forefront in both providing these materials and services and educating the public and
civil authorities to bring about the conditions under which full service can be rendred. - Robert H.Marshall
Resolution Expressing Appreciation to Members of
United States House of Representatives
WHEREAS fiscal year 1974 begins on July 1, 1973; and
WHEREAS the President’s budget recommends zero funding in FY 1974 for all library programs
authorized by the Library Services and Construction Act, title II of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act, and title II ... A&B of the Higher Education Act; and
WHEREAS the House- passed bill would appropriate FY 1974 funds for the library programs at the
following levels: Library Services and Construction Act -- $58,709,000; title II of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act -- $90,000.000; title II A&B of the Higher Education Act --
$15,000.000;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Library Association expresses its appreciation and gratitude to the Appropriations Committee of the United State House of Representatives and to
the entire House of Representatives for its long-standing support of library programs and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that both the Committee and the House of Representatives be especially
commended, at this crucial time when all library programs would otherwise be stated for extinction
by the President's budget, for passing H. R. 8877, a bill which would make possible the continuation of essential library services for millions of American citizens,
PARTING WORDS
FROM FORMER DOL HEAD
Mr. Jack M. Tyler, Director
Delaware Division of Libraries
May I leave "swan songs" to others who prefer them and direct my
attention to an issue which I think bears some reiteration during this
particular season .
It has been said that what the future has in store for Delaware
depends largely on what Delaware places in store for the future. What
is Delaware’s policy regarding the future of libraries in this First
State? What will be the product of its proposed fiscal appropriations
for library service? Is is statesmanship or politics which is responsible
for the now potential course of continuing education in our public
libraries?
Early in my career a philosophy regarding the purpose of libraries
and more especially librarians was often repeated as though it were basic
to everything the profession stood for -- "The right book into the right
hand ,at the right moment." As time passes and my appreciation for that
philosophy grows, it does become more and more a basic principle and a
foundation upon which everything else librarians do is built. Now, this
catch phrase I have come to believe probably is based upon Ranganathan's
"Library Primacies," which are first, "books are for use"; second, "every
reader his book"; third, "every book its reader"; fourth, "save the time
of the reader"; and fifth, "the library is a growing organism.” I believe
you will agree that these two philosophies are for all practical purposes
the same, and now on to my point.
Since these philosophies are articles of librarianship and basic to
our purpose then that which opposes or inhibits the development or
existence of these primacies are to be resisted and defeated at every
opportunity. Remember, that the future will be the past come home to
roose and whatever that hatching produces will be a direct result of all
prior events.
- Reprinted from
Division of Libraries' Newsletter
June 29, 1973 p. l
DIVISION OF LI BRARIES
The Delaware Library Association deeply regrets the departure of Mr. Jack Tyler, former
director of the Division of Libraries. The Division's loss of funding is a severe blow to library
service in the State of Delaware. Service cut backs include loss of professional staff, cancellation
of the DRILL program, the processing and procurement operation, all workshops and professional
consulting services. In effect, the Division of Libraries will be-reduced to a warehouse or storage
unit run by a clerical staff.
All the ramifications of this situation are not yet fully apparent. The total damage to State
library service over a period of time will be irreparable. That such a situation could exist in 1973
is a telling reflection on the priorities of State government in Delaware.
DLA SPRING MEETING
The Spring Meeting of DLA, April 11, 1973, was acclaimed a great success by all those in
attendance. Activities were held at the University of Delaware in the John M, Clayton Hall,
Center for Continuing Education.
Mrs. Pearl Frankenfield, Director of the Montgomery County-Norristown Distict Library
conducted a program entitled: "Dialogue on Library Innovation." This was a lively exchange on
a fresh approach to problem solving in libraries.
Brian Bosworth, Program Planner at the Delaware State Planning Office, addressed the group
on "Revenue Sharing - What it is, What it means, How can you use it?" Mr. Bosworth's interesting
and pertinent address centered on revenue sharing in light of its particular implications for librarians.
The after dinner speaker was John N. Berry, III, Editor-in-Chief of the Library Journal, His
speech, "Witness for the Defense," was an incisive analysis of the politics of institutional
development - an indictment of institutional librarianship as well as an exhortation to a more
positive approach to library service.
Comments from the DLA membership have expressed appreciation for the relevance and
practicality of this program.
REPORT FROM LAS VEGAS
Mrs. Myrtice Wickham, Delaware's A.L.A. Council Delegate, has reported on some of the
highlights of the recent annual convention in Las Vegas.
An ISAD Library Automation Preconference was held to provide continuing education for
librarians in the field of library automation. The keynote speaker, Allen Veaner, presented an
overview of automation developments in the last five years. Each day of the conference included
open discussion groups.
Librarians were urged to contact their congressmen in support of HR5424, a bill which would
require governmental agencies to respond to all questions received within ten days, to publish all
rulings and operational procedures, and to index all published materials in clear terms.
Legislative Committee Chairman Joseph Shubert reported passage of H. R. 8877. Proposed
funding was as follows: LSCA - $58,709,000; ESEA Title II .., $90,000,000; HEA Title II a & b -
$15,OOO,OOO. A resolution commending the House action was unanimously passed by Council,
Copies of this resolution will be sent to members of the House of Representative.
Mr. Shubert also urged ALA members to express their appreciation immediately to the 213
Congressmen who defeated the Michel (R. III.) amendment, which would have reduced library
funds by $19 million ,
A copy of this resolution is included on the following page. Interested librarians are urged to
express approval and appreciation of the House action by sending a signed copy of the resolution
to Representative Du Pont.
"To me the ALA Convention was a unique one this year. I appreciated the privilege and honor
of participating as Delaware's Council delegate." Mrs. Myrtice Wickham
MARLF CONFERENCE
Atlantic City, N.J .
October 24- 27, 1973
The annual Fall meeting of DLA will be held during the MARLF conference in Atlantic City. Bus
transportation from one or more points in Delaware may be available to members on the day of the DLA
business meeting.
A four-day conference of the Middle Atlantic Regional Library Federation will be held in Atlantic
City, New Jersey, from Wednesday, October 24 through Saturday October 27, 1973.
The largest library meeting to be held east of the Rockies this year the conference is expected to
attract over 8,000 delegates. They will represent the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia and the the District of Columbia.
The conference, the first to be held by the Middle Atlantic Regional Library Federation since 1967,
will have as its theme "Viewpoints, the Way To Go - 1973 to 2000 A.D ~ II
By meeting in Atlantic City this fall, we hope that all DLA members will take advantage of a
well-planned program and an excellent series of speakers. Specific information on program activities
and on group transportation will be mailed out to DLA members and interested persons, upon request.
DLA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
DLA needs new members! If you know of likely candidates, please contact Jean Bear at the
Wilmington Institute Library. Dues checks may be made payable to DLA and sent to Mr. Lee Steele,
Treas., P. O . Box 944, Dover, DE 19901. Regular membership is $5.00 per year. DLA offers you a
variety of excellent programs each year /I professional contact with the other librarians of your state,
and a subscription to our quarterly bulletin. All those involved or interested in library work are
urged to join.
ALA REQUEST
The ALA Headquarters library has recently requested all back issues of our DLA Bulletin. Anyone,
owning duplicates or personal copies which are no longer needed, is asked to contact Judy Matz at
the Wilmington Institue. (656-3131)
DLA DUES
Mrs. Gloria Rabinowitz, DLA president, has appointed a committee for careful review of our dues
structure. The possibility of a dues increase may be considered to secure publicity for the Association,
to provide continued excellence in programs, and to support additional workshops and new opportunities
for continuing education.
LI BRARY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
DLA’s Library Development Committee and the Delaware Library Trustees Association are involved
in a joint effort to explore the possibilities of a mass publicity campaign for Delaware libraries.
Representatives of both groups will be meeting with commercial advertising firms in the hope of
formulating a tentative publicity plan.
PUBLIC LIBRARY USER SURVEY
Doctor Robert A. Wilson, Assistant Professor and Resident Sociologist at the Universith of
Delaware reports on the progress of the Public Library User Survey. This telephone survey will record
and analyze the reactions of Delaware citizens to library service in the state.
This survey is being conducted by the Division of Urban Affairs under the advisement of the
Delaware Library Association. He reports that the interviews should be completed by August 1, 1973
and computer analysis of collected information will begin at the end of August. The completed
survey is expected to be released at the first of October, 1973.
PUBLIC LIBRARY DIVISION
Robert Marshall, PLD president, has announced a new "Standards and Accredidation Committee”
to approach ALA standards and those being formulated , PLD is also launching a “brand new” newsletter
this month for all PLD members!